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# OCA’s 20th Annual Diaconal Practicum Concludes in Ohio
- URL: https://uoj.news/news/ocas-20th-annual-diaconal-practicum-concludes-in-ohio/
- Published: 2026-08-31T07:20:03.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-25T16:15:55.000Z
- Description: The OCA’s 20th annual Diaconal Liturgical Practicum brought deacons and candidates together in Parma for intensive training in liturgical service, chanting and Orthodox ministry.
- Author: Tobias Straney
- Tags: #Category: News, OCA, Orthodoxy in America, Clergy Retreat, Vocations and Ministry Retreat, Archbishop Daniel of Chicago and the Midwest

**PARMA, OH —** The Orthodox Church in America’s (OCA) 20th annual Diaconal Liturgical Practicum concluded August 28 at Holy Trinity Church in Parma, [bringing together deacons](https://domoca.org/2026-diaconal-liturgical-practicum-held-in-parma-oh/) and lay candidates for several days of intensive training in liturgical service and diaconal ministry. Abp. Daniel of Chicago and the Diocese of the Midwest participated in several days of the program.

Held August 25-28, the practicum provided practical instruction centered on serving the Divine Liturgy and other Orthodox services. Participants also received training in chanting, vocal technique and speaking about the Orthodox faith. The program was designed to help both current deacons and those preparing for the diaconate develop the skills necessary for effective service in the Church.

[![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2025/07/ocas-20th-annual-diaconal-practicum-concludes-in-ohio-image-689c8f39b9fc.jpg)On this topicHoly Cross Diaconate Program Celebrates Record Enrollment](https://uoj.news/news/84817-holy-cross-diaconate-program-celebrates-record-enrollment/)

Liturgical workshops were led by Archpriest Kirill Sokolov, director of the OCA’s Diaconal and Late Vocations Program; Archpriest Gregory Ealy; and Sbdn. Dimitri Pletz. Instruction addressed practical aspects of liturgical service as well as the broader vocation of the deacon as a servant and witness to the faithful.

The Parma gathering marked the 20th annual Practicum organized through the OCA’s Diaconal Vocations Program. The program is highly recommended by the Holy Synod for participants in the Church’s diaconal formation and other diaconal formation programs.

Previously, the [UOJ reported](https://uoj.news/news/85918-bsp-irinej-ordains-christopher-giovanis-to-the-holy-diaconate/) that Bp. Irinej ordained Christopher Giovanis to the Holy Diaconate.